Author Topic: What we can do to fight dengue (Read 4447 times)

islander · « **on:** July 09, 2012, 03:09:21 PM »

i found what i think is the best article on dengue facts and to-dos, as carried by the philippine daily inquirer last year. might as well share it. it may just help us cope with bohol's current dengue epidemic.

What we can do to fight dengue

Philippine Daily Inquirer
Saturday, August 27th, 2011

Nearly two years ago, Christine E.V. Gonzalez, a naturopathic medicine practitioner with a Ph.D. in natural health and holistic nutrition, faced death from dengue.

At the wake of two young girls â€“ ages 11 and 14 â€“ who died of dengue, she embarked on an advocacy on the prevention and control of the viral disease through health education. She has written her third bookâ€”â€œDengue Fever on the Riseâ€ â€“ from which this article is excerpted.

Gonzalez emphasizes that there is no single cure-all plant or drug in the management and control of dengue fever. While there is no vaccine (yet) to prevent infection or drug treatment for those infected, early diagnosis and a combination of measures will and can prevent dengue death.

underscoring mine

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

islander · « **Reply #1 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:12:25 PM »

In addition, she issues this advisory:

Donâ€™t take the Tylenol brand of paracetamol or acetaminophen when you have dengue, but take Biogesic which is a milder form of paracetamol instead.

Tylenol has been found to be toxic to the liver, and since dengue virus causes transitory hepatitis, using it has caused sudden, severe and medicinally induced hepatitis, which is believed to have caused some deaths.

Avoid acetylsalicylic acid like aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like ibuprofen. They can increase the risk of bleeding.

Whenever possible, it is best to go to the hospital if you have dengue. Dengue may require blood and/or platelet transfusion and often intravenous hydration.

underscoring mine

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

islander · « **Reply #2 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:13:57 PM »

Climbing back to health

By Christine E.V. Gonzalez, ND, Ph.D.

I never thought for a moment that I would be deeply involved with a campaign to stop dengue mortality until I was infected with the virus. Five days before Christmas of 2009, I woke up feeling as though I just came out from the mouth of a volcano.

My body was burning with high fever. Every bone, muscle and organ in my body hurt, my glands were swollen and my pulse was racing. Headache and sore throat added to the symptoms.

I took homeopathic remedies, started a vitamin C drip, sponge bathed with essential oils several times a day, took fluids (organic vegetable juices and soups, coconut water, herbal teas, etc.) every 30 minutes and immediately did a CBC (complete blood count).

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

islander · « **Reply #3 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:15:01 PM »

I was very confident that whatever it was that attacked my system would go away in less than a day. Instead, the nightmare began!

On the third day, I felt that something was very wrong. Due to the high fever, I was in and out of consciousness. The result of my urinalysis indicated that my kidneys were beginning to fail.

We added creatinine and BUN to the daily CBC tests. My platelet count was down. My hemoglobin, RBC (red blood cells) and WBC (white blood cells) numbers were fluctuating almost every day. All my lab tests and a doctor friend confirmed that I had the dengue virus.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

islander · « **Reply #4 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:16:12 PM »

On the fifth day, my body was numb from pain. I remembered back in 2005, as a herbologist, I processed a lot of local herbs. One of them was tawa-tawa (Euphorbia hirta). I started drinking it as a tea every hour. I included sweet potato tops and moringa (malunggay) leaves in all my soups and juices.

On the seventh day, I was just waiting for something to happen. There must be a reason for this debilitating condition. What was it? All of the sudden, full realization hit me.

How can the people, especially children, fight this nasty virus? I was still vulnerable to it, despite my vibrant health. What more for the rest of the community, who rarely pay attention to their health unless there are symptoms?

Thus began my campaign for zero-dengue communities.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

Lorenzo · « **Reply #5 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:18:12 PM »

Patient should have gone to the E.R and placed on D5W drip, as well platelet infusion. Symptoms should have been treated immediately with an anti-pyretic.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

islander · « **Reply #6 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:18:51 PM »

How to fight and contain it

Keep hydrated

Patients need to replenish lost body fluids to help lower body temperature and to avoid the occurrence of hypovolaemic shock, a condition in which severe blood and fluid loss makes the heart unable to pump enough blood to the body.

What to drink

Purified water, coconut water and other healthy water preparations: lemon water, turmeric water, herbal water (with tarragon, lemon grass, mint)

Coconut water was my main source of fluid when I had the dengue fever. Coconut juice replenishes electrolytes, minerals and other trace minerals lost by the body to dehydration.

Vegetable juices â€“ carrots, cucumber, sweet potato tops, papaya leaves, moringa juice and other green leafy vegetables.

Studies show that pure organic vegetable juices can provide all the basics of human nutrition.

Fruit juices â€“ guyabano, papaya, pomelo, oranges, guava, dalandan

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

islander · « **Reply #7 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:19:41 PM »

Patient should have gone to the E.R and placed on D5W drip, as well platelet infusion. Symptoms should have been treated immediately with an anti-pyretic.

strangely, the patient (the book's author) happens to be a doctor too.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

Lorenzo · « **Reply #8 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:20:03 PM »

On the fifth day, my body was numb from pain. I remembered back in 2005, as a herbologist, I processed a lot of local herbs. One of them was tawa-tawa (Euphorbia hirta). I started drinking it as a tea every hour. I included sweet potato tops and moringa (malunggay) leaves in all my soups and juices.

On the seventh day, I was just waiting for something to happen. There must be a reason for this debilitating condition. What was it? All of the sudden, full realization hit me.

How can the people, especially children, fight this nasty virus? I was still vulnerable to it, despite my vibrant health. What more for the rest of the community, who rarely pay attention to their health unless there are symptoms?

Thus began my campaign for zero-dengue communities.

Tawa tawa may be beneficial , however, a faster way is to get a platelet infusion, secondary to hydration.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

islander · « **Reply #9 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:22:38 PM »

Food nutrition

Adequately feeding your immune system boosts its fighting power.

Top eight nutrients to add to your familyâ€™s diet

1. Vitamin C may be the single most important nutrient for the immune system essential for the formation of adrenal hormones and the production of lymphocytes. It also has a direct effect on bacteria and viruses. Itâ€™s best to get Vitamin C from food sources.

2. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant and immune booster that stimulates the production of natural killer cells.

3. Carotenoids. Beta carotene increases the number of infection-fighting cells, natural killer cells and helper T-cells. It is also a powerful antioxidant that mops up excess free radicals. Caution: Too much vitamin A supplements can be toxic to the body. There is no toxic amount if beta carotene (carrots, squash, etc) is obtained from foods. Most vitamin and mineral supplements in the market are synthetic.

4. Bioflavonoids â€“ A group of phytonutrients that aids the immune system by protecting the cells of the body against pollutants.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

Lorenzo · « **Reply #10 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:23:08 PM »

In addition, she issues this advisory:

Donâ€™t take the Tylenol brand of paracetamol or acetaminophen when you have dengue, but take Biogesic which is a milder form of paracetamol instead.

Tylenol has been found to be toxic to the liver, and since dengue virus causes transitory hepatitis, using it has caused sudden, severe and medicinally induced hepatitis, which is believed to have caused some deaths.

Avoid acetylsalicylic acid like aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like ibuprofen. They can increase the risk of bleeding.

Whenever possible, it is best to go to the hospital if you have dengue. Dengue may require blood and/or platelet transfusion and often intravenous hydration.

underscoring mine

Lami lagi mo use og tawa tawa , naay medicinal trait ani, pero if able , it is best to go to the E.R for acute care.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

Lorenzo · « **Reply #11 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:25:03 PM »

Food nutrition

Adequately feeding your immune system boosts its fighting power.

Top eight nutrients to add to your familyâ€™s diet

1. Vitamin C may be the single most important nutrient for the immune system essential for the formation of adrenal hormones and the production of lymphocytes. It also has a direct effect on bacteria and viruses. Itâ€™s best to get Vitamin C from food sources.

2. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant and immune booster that stimulates the production of natural killer cells.

3. Carotenoids. Beta carotene increases the number of infection-fighting cells, natural killer cells and helper T-cells. It is also a powerful antioxidant that mops up excess free radicals. Caution: Too much vitamin A supplements can be toxic to the body. There is no toxic amount if beta carotene (carrots, squash, etc) is obtained from foods. Most vitamin and mineral supplements in the market are synthetic.

4. Bioflavonoids â€“ A group of phytonutrients that aids the immune system by protecting the cells of the body against pollutants.

Yes, this is very true.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

islander · « **Reply #12 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:26:54 PM »

Tawa tawa may be beneficial , however, a faster way is to get a platelet infusion, secondary to hydration.

would that such infusion is within reach of those who are in far-flung areas. but it isn't so in our milieu. and considering the steep price, some of us just have to make do with alternatives that are within one's reach. this is what this thread is for; just tips in the name of first aid and not as the final solution.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

Lorenzo · « **Reply #13 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:27:58 PM »

Climbing back to health

By Christine E.V. Gonzalez, ND, Ph.D.

I never thought for a moment that I would be deeply involved with a campaign to stop dengue mortality until I was infected with the virus. Five days before Christmas of 2009, I woke up feeling as though I just came out from the mouth of a volcano.

My body was burning with high fever. Every bone, muscle and organ in my body hurt, my glands were swollen and my pulse was racing. Headache and sore throat added to the symptoms.

I took homeopathic remedies, started a vitamin C drip, sponge bathed with essential oils several times a day, took fluids (organic vegetable juices and soups, coconut water, herbal teas, etc.) every 30 minutes and immediately did a CBC (complete blood count).

Dr. Gonzalez, brings a very good point in how the local community, especially the ones who live far away from the nearest medical facility may benefit from tawa tawa. Tinuod bitaw that it has medicinal quality and can help reduce the symptoms of dengue , as it has protective qualities for platelets (which are targetted by the dengue virus).

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

islander · « **Reply #14 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:28:30 PM »

5. Zinc. This mineral increases the production of white blood cells that fight infection and helps them fight more aggressively.

Caution: Too much zinc in the form of supplements (more than 75 milligrams a day) can inhibit immune function. Itâ€™s safest to stick to getting zinc from your diet.

6. Garlic. This stimulates the multiplication of infection-fighting white cells, boosts natural-killer cell activity and increases the efficiency of antibody production.

7. Selenium. Essential for a healthy immune system, it assists the body in defending itself against harmful bacteria and viruses. Selenium helps activate prostaglandins that are important in regulating blood pressure and dealing with inflammation, and is vital in the production of the enzyme, glutathione peroxidase, which helps detoxify the body.

8. Omega-3 fatty acids. A study found that children taking a half teaspoon of flax oil a day experienced fewer and less severe respiratory infections. Tuna and salmon are among the other sources of omega 3 fatty acids.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

islander · « **Reply #15 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:30:13 PM »

Herbal teas

Herbal teas are considered pure water with a plus (vitamins, minerals). They have been used for thousands of years to help cure all types of afflictions.

Herbal teas can be prepared hot and steamy or chilled, with a little honey, a slice of kalamansi, coconut sugar or molasses. Below are herbal tea blends for dengue fever and/or dengue hemorrhagic fever. They are not just for fever but also for joint pains and liver/kidney/lymph detoxification.

Ingestion of tawa-tawa tea increases platelet count. Working with a rural village doctor, we had 14 dengue patients in a small facility. We gathered tawa-tawa plants, roots included, and prepared tea outside the facility.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

islander · « **Reply #16 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:31:19 PM »

How to prepare tawa-tawa tea

Take seven to nine whole tawa-tawa plants. Wash thoroughly. (You may include the roots).

Bring to a boil one liter of purified water. Turn down the heat to the lowest setting, add the tawa-tawa plants and boil for one to two minutes in a slow rolling boil. Cool.

The dengue fever patient should sip 1 to 1.5 glasses of the concoction every hour for 24 hours.

Other herbal infusions: neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves tea, olive (Olea europaea) leaf tea, gotu-kola (Centella asiatica) tea.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

islander · « **Reply #17 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:33:46 PM »

Aromatherapy (essential oils)

Aromatherapy uses natural distilled extracts from aromatic plants in healing the body, mind and spirit. As a holistic medicine, it is both a preventive approach and an active treatment during acute and chronic stages of illness or disease.

The extracts are powerful antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and are very effective in repelling harmful insects.

Steam inhalation â€“ Eucalyptus, rosemary, tea tree and lavender. The warmth of steam inhalation can be very helpful for a child suffering from a fever combined with chills.

Direct application. Gentle essential oils like tea tree and lavender can be applied directly to the skin and have a very cooling effect. Wet a washcloth with cool water, add a drop of essential oil on the cloth and use it to wipe a feverish childâ€™s head, chest and abdomen to relieve a hot or sweaty fever, providing a cooling relief that may help a restless child settle down to sleep.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

islander · « **Reply #18 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:34:26 PM »

Bath. Bathing, using essential oils (peppermint, lavender or tea tree and oregano [for adults]), is one of the best remedies for fever and can tremendously increase therapeutic effects.

Sponge bath with the same essential oils. In the absence of a bath tub and/or presence of a very high fever, sponge bath the child/patient three to four times a day.

Inhalation of two to three drops of essential oil â€“ peppermint, lavender or eucalyptus â€“ on a tissue helps in any upper respiratory problems, nausea and/or dizziness.

Diffusing essential oils â€“ peppermint, lavender, geranium, orange or tea tree â€“using a clay, terra cotta, ceramic, metal or candle diffuser. A nebulizer is, perhaps, the best type of essential-oil diffuser.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

islander · « **Reply #19 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:35:25 PM »

Massage using an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory massage oil blend will help reduce muscle/joint pains, itching, inflammation and swelling. Use basil, chamomile, lavender, peppermint or tea tree essential oils, added to a base oil like virgin coconut oil, olive oil or moringa (malunggay) oil.

Choose a base oil that is light, soft and cooling to the skin. I use virgin coconut oil because of its healing properties both for internal and external benefits.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

islander · « **Reply #20 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:36:41 PM »

Botanical insecticides

Insecticides of botanical origin have been reported as useful for the control of mosquitoes. Neem and its derived products as well as citronella, lemon grass, basil, geraniums (malvarosa) and eucalyptus have shown a variety of strong insecticidal properties.

Avoid mosquito bites with an effective, toxin-free mosquito repellent.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

Lorenzo · « **Reply #21 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:37:14 PM »

would that such infusion is within reach of those who are in far-flung areas. but it isn't so in our milieu. and considering the steep price, some of us just have to make do with alternatives that are within one's reach. this is what this thread is for; just tips in the name of first aid and not as the final solution.

For those who live away from the nearest medical facility, it may be beneificial to begin drinking tawa tawa when symptoms of dengue begin. Patients should also keep drinking a lot of fluids, as they will become dehydrated because of the pyretic effect. In addition, for patients who are suffering from fever, it may be beneficial to take fever reducers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which will be effective in reducing the fever. Patients should drink fluids rich in vitamin C, and E, B, A, which are antioxidants and immune boosters.

Of course, it is understandable if patients are limited in funding; however, if they are able, it is recommended that they seek medical care as soon as possible.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

islander · « **Reply #22 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:37:59 PM »

Homeopathic remedies

Homeopathy is an advanced system of natural medicine that has been bringing healing to the world for over 200 years.

The homeopathic system of medicine can treat and prevent dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever by immune modulation of the patients without any side effects.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

islander · « **Reply #23 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:38:28 PM »

Herbal supplements

Health practitioners, nutritionists and scientists agree that the best sources of multivitamins and minerals are organic foods.

However, obtaining enough of any particular nutrient from food presents a challenge due to processing or cooking food and the depletion of nutrients in the soil from overapplication of pesticides and/or genetic modification.

To aid those who want to know the best multivitamins and minerals on the market, we have put together a thorough research on some whole-food supplements.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=52406.0

islander · « **Reply #24 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:41:51 PM »

Rest and sleep

Rest is the best way to treat headache, fever and lethargy associated with dengue fever. The illness usually lasts 10 to 14 days, but symptoms, most notably lethargy, can last up to a month.

Sleep is the best way to recharge the body. Research shows that the immune system needs 9.5 hours of sleep in total darkness to recharge completely.

The book â€œDengue Fever on the Riseâ€ is available in National Book Stores nationwide.

http://opinion.inquirer.net/

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #25 on:** July 09, 2012, 03:45:35 PM »

Deadly!

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